Those stigmas should soon fade for Clyfford Still, who is now considered one of the most important painters of the 20th century. Somehow, only about 6 percent of his art has ever been seen by the public.

"It's such a vast body of work," Dean Sobel, director of the Clyfford Still Museum said. "And the ability to really immerse yourself in one man's creative output, there's really nothing else like it in the world to have 94 percent of everything a major artist created under one roof."

The Clyfford Still Museum is set to open in Denver on November 18. The museum will bring both of Clyfford Still's estates together. His will left a portion of his artwork to the public, and the rest to his wife, Patricia Still.

"Denver won the competition to receive these 24,000 artworks, none of which has ever been seen," Sobel said. "I think it adds significantly to Denver's rising international cultural presence."

After Denver acquired the public estate, Patricia Still decided to give her personal estate to the city as well. She also gave her opinion on the architecture and interior of the building, which will be located right next to the Denver Art Museum.

"We were able to create the ideal conditions for these paintings as they increase in size, as their imagery changes, and particularly the way we're using day lighting to illuminate the rooms," Sobel said. "I think it will offer a changing view of these paintings every time you visit."

The museum will also have the same hours as the Denver Art Museum, expanding the complex's already grandiose presence in Downtown Denver.

For more information, visit http://www.clyffordstillmuseum.org/.

Editor's Note:

Sobel will be hosting a live simulcast broadcast from the "secret" East-coast location of the Clyfford Still collection. This event is free to the public and will take place at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in the Ricketson Auditorium at 6 pm on May 11.

It is free to the public but reservations are required by calling 720.865.4324 or emailing info@clyffordstillmuseum.org

Still's daughter Sandra Still and Dean will provide a tour of the collection and discuss the curatorial process and conservation progress.

 

(KUSA-TV © 2011 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)